Chris Long Q&A
By Jerry McDonald - NFL Writer
Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 11:49 am in Oakland Raiders.
Chris Long took in a Giants game awhile back along with linebacker Kirk Morrison, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and defensive line coach Keith Millard. Any chance he’ll be making a return visit and wear the same silver and black uniform his father Howie Long wore from 1981-93?
The consensus seems to be Long will be gone by the time the Raiders pick at No. 4. NBCSports.com is reporting the Miami Dolphins are nearing an agreement with Michigan tackle Jake Long, which would make him the No. 1 overall pick.
Next up would be St. Louis, which could then in theory select Chris Long. But what if the Rams were to opt for Glenn Dorsey instead, and then the Atlanta Falcons, in need of a quarterback, took Matt Ryan?
That would give the Raiders a crack at Chris Long, a productive edge player who can play either as a down lineman or a stand-up outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He also happened to be one of the most thoughtful and engaging interviews at the NFL scouting combine.
A transcription of Chris Long’s meeting with the media on Feb. 23:
Q: Everyone who talks about you talks about this motor that never stops. How do you turn it on and why don’t you ever turn it off?
Long: I don’t think of myself as doing anything extraordinary with my effort. I think that’s just the way football is supposed to be played, at a high speed. I’m not a guy who does things half-speed well. So it’s been pretty natural for me to go that fast.
Q: Do you see yourself on tape moving at a faster pace or higher intensity?
Long: You hope to. That’s the goal. You want to jump off the screen when people watch film of you. Obviously everybody, all 330 guys who are here jump off the screen and that’s why they’re here. So the goal is to take your game to the next level so at the next level you can adjust that speed and then surpass it.
Q: Your dad played that way. Is that something you inherited from your dad or he ingrained into you?
Long: My dad taught me to work hard and to be the same guy every day. If that’s going 100 miles-per-hour and working hard, then that’s what I’ll do.
Q: Your dad has taken a real back seat for most of your football career. Are you grateful for that or would you rather he be more in the forefront?
Long: It’s testament to the fact that he’s such a great guy and such a humble guy. It’s not his style to want to steal the spotlight from his sons. I have two little brothers and he does the same with them. He takes the backseat. Everybody has a time and this is our time. I’ve said, ‘Dad, you’re an old man now. It’s not your time any more.’ He has done a great job with that and I am grateful. I’ve matured to the point that now I am comfortable sharing that spotlight.
Q: Has Al Groh told you about Coach Parcells? Would that be an easy transition?
Long: I’ve heard a lot about Coach Parcells and Coach Belichick as well. I think Coach Groh is a guy with a tremendous amount of respect for that coaching tree. A lot of his coaching styles and the schemes derive directly from Parcells and that tree. It will be a tough transition whatever I do and wherever I go. I think he does have a lot of similarities.
Q: Are you impressed with (Miami coach) Tony Sparano and (G.M.) Jeff Ireland?
Long: I’m impressed with everybody I meet here. This is the NFL. It’s certainly a great experience. Everybody I meet is so professional. Obviously that’s what they do for a living. They eat, sleep, breath football.
Q: Are you familiar with the Jim Haslett system in St. Louis and how do you see yourself fitting in there?
Long: I can see myself fitting in wherever a team wants and needs me to fit in. Being versatile is a plus and I believe I have the capabilities of being versatile at the next level. I am going to have to work hard and I’m going to have to make
some adjustments. One thing you have to do is check any expectations at the door. I don’t expect to play any position or anything like that. I just want to be a football player.
Q: Have you talked briefly with the Falcons?
Long: I’ve talked briefly with a couple of assistant coaches and the defensive coordinator. They seem like they are on a mission to get something started there. A new beginning. They seem really driven, like everybody here. Everybody has
the same goal. It was exciting to talk to them.
Q: How extensive will your workouts be here?
Long: I’m doing everything but bench. I will be doing bench at pro day in Charlottesville, Virginia on March 18th if you guys want to make the trip.
Q: How come you’re not doing bench here?
Long: I sprained my thumb in the bowl game. For about two weeks I just let it rest. Once I started benching, I’m not where I want to be yet and this will buy me another couple of weeks.
Q: How is it practicing against D’Brickashaw Ferguson?
Long: I would not be here if it weren’t for D’Brickashaw and guys like Branden Albert who’s here now and Eugene Morrell who will be here next year. It’s humbling when you get beat every day in practice. The games are easier than practice by far. I was always very fortunate and appreciative not only of the type of player Brick was, but also for how he approached practice which forced me to raise my game and my level of intensity, so I’m ready for the game.
Q: What would you like to learn from Jason Taylor and Joey Porter?
Long: These are all guys I grew up watching. Any team, you name it. It would be an honor to be on the same field and in the same locker room learning from these guys. If you approach the game correctly and try to be a student of the game, what better people to learn from than these all-pro guys and guys you grew up watching? It’s really surreal actually.
Q: Have you ever met Al Davis? Do you expect to talk to him before the draft?
Long: I have met Al Davis. My earliest memory of Al Davis was ducking in the car when I came to visit my dad at training camp because there were no families allowed in. That was my earliest memory. Don’t tell Al Davis that happened. I remember meeting him when I was a kid, but I have not seen him since.
Q: What would it mean to you to play for that franchise where your father was such a staple and legend?
Long: It would mean the same as playing anywhere else, honestly. It would be an opportunity to play in the NFL. Obviously there’s so much more to it there. I’m not afraid of any situation or any burden with the name. I’ve been dealing with this stuff my whole life. But obviously it will be taken to a new level in a place like that. It’s no pressure, but I tend to welcome any pressure with open arms.
Q: Can you describe the situation in the car?
Long: It was so long ago. I was young. I just got down in the car. I was a little kid. I was young enough to hide on the floor of a car, which means I was pretty young.
Q: What were you hiding from?
Long: There were rules. It was a no visitation time.
Q: So you were trying to watch practice?
Long: No, I was just coming to see dad with my mom.
Q: What did you measure in today at? And how do you feel about 3-4 versus 4-3?
Long: I measured in today at 6′3″ and 272 pounds. I feel this is a good weight for me. This is what I played at about or maybe a little bit lighter. I feel that I could play at either scheme. Interestingly enough, people talk about what a transition it would be for me to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. But, let’s not forget that I never played in a 4-3 in college either. I was a base defensive end in a 3-4. Either position would be a fresh start for me and an opportunity to learn and an opportunity for me to progress as a player.
Q: A lot of people talk about your younger brother and his potential as a player. What went into his decision to play baseball?
Long: We told him to go with his heart. Nobody in the family was pressuring him either way. In fact, I think my parents were keeping their fingers crossed that he would not play football. He doesn’t have to get hit playing baseball, he’s throwing 96 MPH, he’s a lefty. It seems like a no-brainer to me. I just hope I can live in his condo if I fall on hard times or something.
Note: Kyle Long is a 6-foot-7, 280-pound two-way lineman who was also a left-handed pitcher at Charlottesville (Va.) St. Anne’s Belfield High School. He will attend Florida State on a baseball scholarship.
Q: How do you describe yourself as a pass rusher?
Long: Relentless. I like to use my hands. There’s so much I can improve there. I will play to the whistle and I’ll give it 100%, especially in a pass rushing situation. But there’s so much I can learn.
Q: How does it feel to have your jersey retired before you’re even out of school?
Long: It’s humbling. I felt as undeserving as anybody. That’s truly an honor at Virginia, but only if they make a movement to start to recognize some of the players who came before me for the past 10 or 15 years who I feel were equal or better players than me. Guys like Patrick Kerney who are awesome and what they did for the school and for the program is immeasurable. I hope they make a movement to start doing things like that.
Q: What would it mean to be the number one pick in the draft?
Long: It would mean I have to show up and work hard. No matter where I was picked, any opportunity to play in the National Football League is an opportunity I would cherish. To be in that position you have to work even harder and show up with more humility and more of an open mind, because people will be looking at you. Wherever I go and whoever I go play for, I’m a football player. I enjoy playing football, I enjoy the game, I enjoy being a teammate. I won’t change. I’ll be the same guy.
Q: Mario Williams was taken at your position number one three years ago. His first year was a little bit of a struggle and after that he just blossomed. At that position, is there a bit of a learning curve?
Long: It’s tough. When you’re picked at number one, as Mario Williams was, people don’t have patience. When you don’t touch the ball on a regular basis and you’re playing at a position like his, the only number they look at is sacks. This year, Mario Williams started producing more sacks. He was a pretty darn good football from the start, which people didn’t realize, but now his numbers are just better and so people are starting to justify it.
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April 21st, 2008 at 11:57 am
still wont say it
April 21st, 2008 at 11:58 am
ya’ll slippin must be lunch time
April 21st, 2008 at 11:59 am
LMN I’m a SAN JOSE RAIDER FAN!!
Draft C.Long
April 21st, 2008 at 12:01 pm
CLONGCLONGCLONGCLONGCLONGCLONGCLONGCLONGCLONGCLONG!!!!!!!
April 21st, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Long: It’s tough. When you’re picked at number one, as Mario Williams was, people don’t have patience. When you don’t touch the ball on a regular basis and you’re playing at a position like his, the only number they look at is sacks. This year, Mario Williams started producing more sacks. He was a pretty darn good football from the start, which people didn’t realize, but now his numbers are just better and so people are starting to justify it.
People don’t care what’s under the hood, they only look at the rims. DE vs RB in a nut shell.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I like that he is very matter of fact. He understands that the NFL is a business and that he is an asset to help that business be successful. I doubt we will have a shot at him
April 21st, 2008 at 12:07 pm
boring
April 21st, 2008 at 12:07 pm
With the 4th pick in the 2008 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders select Chris Glenn Sedric Darren Long McFadden Ellis Dorsey.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Is that all it takes to be a journalist?
Transcribe a 2 month old taped conversation.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:13 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/04/20/mmqb/1.html
Interesting take on the draft from Peter King S.I.
He definitely thinks DMac is not in our plans. The reason: Michael Bush.
Amen.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:16 pm
He’s going to be a Raider.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I think Chris Long is a great kid and, through sheer hard work and determination, he will make a great pro. He is not the biggest talent in this draft. He does not have the highest upside in this draft. But, if you need leadership and enthusiasm and energy and commitment, then Chris Long is the pick.
And we certainly need leadership and enthusiasm and energy and commitment on our defense. So, if he is available, we should take him without a second thought.
But he will probably be gone, sadly.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Every jackhole writer out there when speaking of The Raiders always takes a cheap shot.
It’s like their editors won’t release it if there isn’t some negative comment about the past 5 years, or how unpredictable Mr Davis is, or Gallery, or Shell, or some lawsuit, or the fans!
I wish I was a hacker. I would crash every damn site on draft day, except this one of course!
April 21st, 2008 at 12:20 pm
You nailed it Scottish.
What says you about us moving UP to get him?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Here’s to you Scottish Raider
Aikendrum
Ken ye how a Whig can fight, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
Ken ye how a Whig can fight, Aikendrum
He can fight the hero bright, with his heels and armour tight
And the wind of heavenly night, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
Is not Rowley in the right, Aikendrum!
Did ye hear of Sunderland, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
Did ye hear of Sunderland, Aikendrum
That man of high command, who has sworn to clear the land
He has vanished from our strand, Aikendrum, Aikendrum,
Or the eel has ta’en the sand, Aikendrum.
Donald’s running ’round and ’round, Aikendrum, Aikendrum,
Donald’s running ’round and ’round, Aikendrum
But the Chief cannot be found, and the Dutchmen they are drowned
And King Jaime he is crowned, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
But the dogs will get a stound, Aikendrum.
We have heard of Whigs galore, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
We have heard of Whigs galore, Aikendrum
But we’ve sought the country o’er, with cannon and claymore,
And still they are before, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
We may seek forevermore, Aikendrum!
Ken ye how to gain a Whig, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
Ken ye how to gain a Whig, Aikendrum
Look Jolly, blythe and big, take his ain blest side and prig,
And the poor, worm-eaten Whig, Aikendrum, Aikendrum
For opposition’s sake you will win!
April 21st, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Political season over here Scottish.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Seems like C Long has a great attitude and work ethic, something we could use in Oakland.
Did they go to a NY Giants game or SF Giants ? Awhile back doesn’t exactly fill in the gaps of time. If they went to a SF Giants game instead of A’s game I just found another reason to despise Rob Ryan outside the fact that he sucks donkey dong as a DC.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:30 pm
What up Nation!
April 21st, 2008 at 12:30 pm
it was a Giants game Mista
Morrison wanted to go to the A’s game but they were on the road…
April 21st, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Saint, I don’t think moving will help. We can’t influence the thought processes of the teams above:
Miami are scared. Nobody in this draft is worth the salary due to a No1 pick. They want to trade down, but they can’t. Jake Long is the safest bet for them. Parcels loves to run right and Jake is born to play RT in the NFL. Does Bill think a RT is worth $20m+? No. But what are the alternatives. Unless Condon screws up the negotiation, Miami will take Jake Long.
The Rams would love Jake Long. There next decision involves Adam Carriker. If they think he is best at DT, they will probably take Chris Long. If they think Carriker is better at DE, they will take Glenn Dorsey. Nothing we can do, they need to work it out.
The Falcons need a QB. And desperately. Now, they have lots of picks, but can they pass on Matt Ryan? Ryan will not pass Baltimore, so the trade down option doesn’t count. If Dorsey escapes the Rams, then the Falcons have a tough call. Again, there is nothing we can do to influence their thinking. If they think Ryan is measurably better than Brohm, Henne or Flacco, he goes at No3.
So, I think we will definitely have a shot at McFadden and Gholston (unless Condon does a cheap deal with Miami) and we might have a shot at Chris Long. But trading up doesn’t help. We just have to wait and see.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:33 pm
der I mean a SF Giants game
April 21st, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Draft Anybody we need everything at #4. The glass is half full and half empty..
I dont want to hear any bellyaching from you arm chair rocket scientist experts after our #1 selection…..period
April 21st, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Mista -
Who will be the HC for the W’s next year?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Dogg, good afternoon.
How do you know ????
FACK I hate Rob Ryan he probably had a XXL Bonds jersey on too…what a ingrate he is.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Nellie will be as far as I can tell. Do you have information they are going in a different direction ?
Avery Johnson will be available if the Mavs get bounced
Keith Smart is the consensus replacement if they show Nellie the door, and maybe they should.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I am afraid to take McFadden, and I am also afraid not to take him. What if he turns out to be one of the all-time elite backs like Jim Brown, O. J., Berry Sanders, or Gale Sayers? I guess it is just as well that it is not my decision to make anyway. May first choice would be to trade down, but only if there is a trade partner willing to give up fair compinsation. My second choice would be Dline.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I heard C. Long on two radio interviews last week,(Dan Patrick & Rome ).The kid “gets” it.You can tell by listening to him, that he will put in the work to be a very good player, in the N.F.L.
If he’s there at #4. Al better get him. The kid is going to make an impact. Where ever he ends up.
Hopefully in S&B.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:41 pm
NFL.com are speculating that we might have Burgess on the trading block. That would only make sense if we were guaranteed a shot at Chris Long or Gholston and the trade was for at least a 2nd and 3rd.
I just have the feeling that some multi-player deal is being assembled - perhaps a Burgess/Routt combo to Kansas for Jared Allen?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Im scottish as well Dakota whats the poem all about
Draft defense!
April 21st, 2008 at 12:46 pm
It would be hard to imagine us making a trade with Kansas City. With only three DE’s on the roster, I am sure that we are going to get one somewhere, even if he is not a big name. If we did trade Burgess that would leave us with only two, then we would need to find two more somewhere.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Something is definitely brewing on Alameda. I think the Raiders have big time trade ideas in place for every scenario, depending on who the teams in front of us take.
April 21st, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Scottish, did you just suggest we are working a trade with our bitter rival KC Chiefs for a franchise tagged player ?
What did you eat for breakfast Scottish ?
April 21st, 2008 at 12:53 pm
It would be an AWESOME day on saturday………If I hear the comissioner of the NFL say……..”With the 4th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft….The Oakland Raiders secect…..De from Virginia……Chris Long”…….
O’h…Sh!T ……That would be a GREAT day!!
April 21st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Scottish,
Do you have a link on Burgess being on the trading block?
Cannot find it in nfl.com
April 21st, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Peter King sees it the same way I said last week. If the Dolphins draft Ghoulston - we get Chris Long.
If the Dolphins draft Jake Long and Rams DC Haslett gets Dorsey, we get Chris Long.
If the Rams draft C Long - Trade with the Saints! If Atlanta drafts Ryan, New Orleans is desperate to trade up for Dorsey.
Of course between the Rams, Falcons and Saints it is becoming obvious the highest regarded player in this draft is Dorsey. So if it goes Jake, Chris, Ryan…grab Dorsey.
Watch Friday. If Miami announces they’ve agreed to draft Ghoulston you can almost buy your Chris Long jersey.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:03 pm
That would be sweet!
April 21st, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Try this:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/story;jsessionid=0A8B3BB354E46CF265F4C267737F4684?id=09000d5d807e282d&template=with-video&confirm=true
I can see us trading Burgess - something isn’t right between him and the organisation.
I have this recurring thought that we could end up with a USC-lite DLine of Kelly, Sands, Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson. Trading down for Ellis, trading up for Jackson.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Now….what do we do about our LT?
April 21st, 2008 at 1:05 pm
SCOTTISH:
NFL NETWORK has Jared Allen going to Minnesota on draft day.
Another interesting note from NFL NETWORK Mike Lombardi formerly of the Raiders said Chris Long is not the type of athlete the Raiders covet. He mentioned that when he was in the Raiders War Room they put a lot of stock in a player’s arm length.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Koolaid don’t worry. Of all the backs you mentioned only one ever saw any real playoff time. We wouldn’t be missing much.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Lombardi said that? That’s the knock on Gallery. Is that the post-Gallery arm length rule? Sure wasn’t an issue back then.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:09 pm
808Raidah….Is that so they can straight-arm the long arm of the law?
April 21st, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Can anybody here confirm that McFadden was in Oakland, over the weekend. For a 2nd. Meeting with the team ?
April 21st, 2008 at 1:12 pm
# Raider Glory Says:
April 21st, 2008 at 12:53 pm
It would be an AWESOME day on saturday………If I hear the comissioner of the NFL say……..”With the 4th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft….The Oakland Raiders secect…..De from Virginia……Chris Long”…….
O’h…Sh!T ……That would be a GREAT day!!
………
Well, I can see why it might be exciting for some Raider fans. But it won’t be a “GREAT day”, unless the commissioner also announces the Raiders have fired Rob Ryan.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:13 pm
808, I believe that Jared wants to come home to Oakland. The Chiefs know that. The Raiders know that. The only (very big) issue is the price.
The Chiefs have a number of big holes on their defense, not least at CB and DE. Jared has said he wants to leave, the Chiefs will release him if they have an alternative plus some benefit. Would they be tempted to replace one proBowl DE with another? No. But if you add a decent CB, like Routt or Washington, as the bonus, then maybe they would be seriously interested.
In the end, if Jared really wants to come home, a deal is there to be made.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Scottish:
the problem Burgess has is the same as he had with Philly. You can’t count on him. He can’t stay healthy but wants to be paid like a full-time guy. His sacks 16, 11, 8…The Raiders don’t want a run liability who averages 1 sack every two games.
Burgess wants to start but he is a situational pass rusher at best. If we draft C Long expect a draft day trade of Burgess for a 2 or 3rd rounder.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:15 pm
where is Jared from?
April 21st, 2008 at 1:17 pm
Los Gatos. Wherever that is?
April 21st, 2008 at 1:18 pm
has he gone on record as saying that he wants to come back to the Bay Area?
April 21st, 2008 at 1:20 pm
COW, my thoughts exactly on Burgess. When i suggested that they trade him a couple months back a lot of bloggers were quick to chastise that move. A second or a second and third would be pretty sweet.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Quag, he is on record as having grown up as a ‘passionate’ Raiders fan.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jared_Allen
More importantly, he is a FA again in 2009. The Chiefs have to make the deal now.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:24 pm
Chiefs don’t like trading to us, think Gannon!
April 21st, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I would personally hate to see us get rid of Burgess this year. Without him we will be looking at 2 rookies and a 2nd year player trying to beat NFL players. Yikes! We have to get to the QB. Burgess knows the system and can bring along a new guy for this next year.
No way Jared comes here. I thought we should put an offer on the table just to force KC to keep him but that’s not in our best interest either. I have a good source that says he is pissed at KC and has been taunting the organization for the past month. When I asked what the odds are of him coming to Oakland I got that, “F off Raider fan” look.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I have my doubts about Allen coming here. KC would be stupid. Allen is hands down far better than Burgess. While I wouldn’t be too scared off playing against Burgess, no way KC wants Allen thumping on Clady twice a year.
Allen will probably go to Minnesota while Burgess goes for a draft pick to a team looking for someone to help them get “over the top”. New England comes to mind. Seymour is no pass rusher any more. A late 2nd rounder would be about right.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Saint, you may well be right. BUT. Because of the state of this year’s draft Board and the reduction from 15 to 10 mins between picks in the 1st round, I think that Friday and Saturday could be wild. Trades on offer everywhere, lots of teams making moves up and down the board. The team with the best deal-makers will do good business.
Peter King has said this is the most volatile Board since the Eli/Rivers deal.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I wouldn’t beleive a word Lombardi says, he stabbed his head caoch in the back & went to the Broncos.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Coach:
I would hate to see Burgess leave. That being said, if he did go he would fit better in a 4-3 system.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Coach, you are right about Seymour being a busted flush. The Pats might be interested in Burgess, but the player they really want is Asomugha.
And he is still unsigned. We might not want to deal him but his agent is making sure no contract is signed before draft weekend. Steve Baker is no fool and he wants his player ‘in play’ this weekend.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Despite all our hopes that this will be otherwise, this is going to be a learning year for Russell, M. Bush, J Walker, Miller (as far as getting in sync with JR), Hall, Wilson and hopefully Chris Long. I wouldn’t waste time with Burgess. Get somebody in there to start growing with the system.
As far as rookies versus Burgess, Clemmons outplayed Burgess. Burgess is terrible against the run and can’t stay healthy.
Trade him while he has some value.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
If we draft King CLong then he should play LDE, which means Burgess should immediately be on the trade block, to acquire draft picks.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Even unsigned I don’t think Amomough will be in play. Unless NE came knocking with the first round pick they have from SF. Even then trading a pro bowl CB for a 5-50 draft pick? Get him signed Al! Yeesh with what he gave Tommy “potential” Kelly, what’s the hold up on a guy you KNOW can play?
April 21st, 2008 at 1:45 pm
If we draft Chris Long Burgess joins Washington and Andrew Walter on the block for sure. I’d mention Jordan too but c’mon now.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Nnamd is going nowhere, read the type of Franchise tag placed on him.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
[edit] Types of franchise tags
There are two types of franchise tag designations: the exclusive rights franchise tag, and non-exclusive rights franchise tag:
An “exclusive” franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount equal to or greater than the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position as of a date in April of the current year in which the tag will apply, or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, whichever is greater. Exclusive franchise players cannot negotiate with other teams.
A “non-exclusive” franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount equal to or greater than the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position in the previous year, or 120 percent of the player’s previous year’s salary, whichever is greater. A non-exclusive franchise player may negotiate with other NFL teams, but if he signs an offer sheet from another team, the original team has a right to match the terms of that offer, or if it does not match the offer and thus loses the player, to receive two first-round draft picks as compensation.
It is the team’s choice whether it uses an exclusive or a non-exclusive franchise tag. While it may seem that a team would always choose the exclusive option, there are two reasons a team might prefer the non-exclusive option instead. The first is that the salary is based on the top 5 salaries of the previous year instead of the current year, which could be a significant difference. The second reason is that a team may want the opportunity for the two first-round draft picks they would receive if they lost their player.
[edit] 2008 franchise-tagged players
Arizona Cardinals - Karlos Dansby LB (Non-exclusive)[1]
Baltimore Ravens - Terrell Suggs LB (Non-exclusive)[2]
Carolina Panthers - Jordan Gross OL (Non-exclusive)[3]
Cincinnati Bengals - Stacy Andrews OL (Non-exclusive)[4]
Dallas Cowboys - Ken Hamlin SS (Non-exclusive)[5]
Green Bay Packers - Corey Williams DT (Non-exclusive)[6]
Indianapolis Colts - Dallas Clark TE (Non-exclusive)[7]
Kansas City Chiefs - Jared Allen DE (Non-exclusive)[8]
Oakland Raiders - Nnamdi Asomugha CB (Exclusive) [9]
Philadelphia Eagles - L.J. Smith TE (Non-exclusive)[10]
Seattle Seahawks - Marcus Trufant CB (Non-exclusive)[11]
Tennessee Titans - Albert Haynesworth DT (Non-exclusive)[12]
April 21st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
Scottish and others,
Nnamdi can’t negotiate with any other team,end of story.
jared Allen can due to his non-Exclusive tag, that’s the difference.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
fa show, the Raiders organization is determined to get more first day picks. They need to acquire young players, that can reach their prime along with Russell, and jettison the older players that will be retired by the time Russell comes around.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Believe me, there are TONS of contingency plans in action right now. In other words, there are deals that are DONE, regarding Routt, Burgess, Washington, Walter, but certain contingencies have to fall into place for them to be actualized. I for one, was NOT in favor of shipping out Burgess, especially after Clemons and his 8 sacks left. If you have just “selected” (to use the NFL term) Gholston or Chris Long there is no need to have Burgess on the roster. Hence the deal. Either Gholston or Chris Long should fall to us, one would think.
Of course there may be other contingencies involved if McLuvin falls to us. I have a feeling Saturday is going to be WILD!!!
April 21st, 2008 at 1:53 pm
The Dude Says:
April 21st, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Im scottish as well Dakota whats the poem all about
Draft defense!
______________________________________________________
The Dude,
Thas song was by James Hogg, the “Ettrick Shepherd” who lived from 1770 to 1835. The term “Whigs” was used a a disparaging term for the Covenanters who fought in support of the cause of Presbyterianism in Scotland and against the succession of King James VII. The term Whig was used later to those who opposed the Jacobites and later still was applied to the political party which eventually became the Liberal Party in British politics.
Or so the internet says, lol.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Roger Goodell:
There has been a trade; The Oakland Raiders trade the #4 pick and the Raiderettes to the Dallas Cowboys for Emmitt Smiff and the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders.
April 21st, 2008 at 1:57 pm
Asmugha isn’t negotiating. His agent, Steve Baker, is just ensuring that all options are left open. As long as he remains unsigned, he is still in play. Exclusive tag or no tag. Every unsigned player has his price.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Rd 1 - Raiders draft Chris Long DE
Rd 2 - Raiders trade Atlanta Washington for pick #3
Rd 2 - Raiders draft Chris Williams OT Vanderbilt
Rd 2 - Raiders trade New England Burgess for pick #31
Rd 2 - Raiders draft Laws DT Notre Dame
Rd 3 - Raiders trade L Jordan & 6th rd pick for 3rd
Rd 3 - Raiders draft Avery WR Houston
Rd 4 - Raiders draft T Gooden LB Miami (Fla.)
April 21st, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Whig comes from whiggamor, a Gaelic word for a cattle driver.
In political terms, the Whigs were the liberals, the non-conformists, the anti-establishment party. Their opponents, the Tories, were the conservative, establishment party.
Tory is an Irish word for an outlaw.
And you thought Obama and Hilary were getting heavy on the insults. Nothing compared to 17th century Brittish politics.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Scottish
I humbly disagree, based on the tag the Raiders placed on him.
He can’t negotiate with any other team unless the Raiders remove the EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TAG!
April 21st, 2008 at 2:04 pm
the debate is not
DE v. RB
or DT v. RB
or DL v. RB
or Long v. RB
or Dorsey v. RB
or Gholston v. RB
or Ellis v. RB
the debate is
Gholston v. McFadden
or Ellis v. McFadden
or in the most unlikely of scenarios
Long v. McFadden
but to generalize and call it “DL v. RB” is misleading because DL is obviously a greaer need than RB, but that’s not the debate, when you look a the situation accurately, it’s a great defensive lineman or the best player in the draft, THAT is the debate……..just wanted to clarify that…..
I’ll be happy with Ellis, i think he has potential to be the best DT in the league at some point in his career(should he end up in the right situation of course), I’ll be happy with Gholston, i think he has the potential to be one of the top 5 DEs in the NFL, he is definitely the best pass rusher in this draft and is the most underrated run defender of any defensive lineman in the draft, he is a great option, I’ll be happiest with McFadden, he is a freak, he is the best player in the draft and i think has the potential to be the best RB(although he’s much more than just that, and to look at him simply as a RB is to trivialize his potential impact), in the NFLif not the best offensive player, or best player period, i’ll be happy with any, but my feelings, or any of yours, do not have much of an impact on Al Davis’ decision, and all signs point to Darren McFadden being chosen by the Oakland Raiders with the 4th pick in the 2008 NFL draft 5 days from now, love it or leave it, that’s the probable reality…..
April 21st, 2008 at 2:10 pm
2008 Draft, Oakland Raiders:
1st round————–RB Darren McFadden
2nd Round (acquired)– T Sam Baker
4th Round————- DT Frank Okam
6th Round————–DE Tommy Blake
6th Round (acquired)—WR Adarius Bowman
Everyone is happy, every need addressed with players who have 1st round talent but have dropped due to a variety of circumstances.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:12 pm
We have pick #4. There are only so many combos.
Since Miami is talking to two guys and the dires are clear, we can see who we’ll get.
Either - Ghoulston, Jake Long, Dorsey, C LONG
or
J Long, Dorsey, Ryan, C LONG
or
J Long, C Long, Dorsey, Ghoulston/Ellis
or
Ghoulston, C Long, Dorsey, J LONG
C Long, or an outside shot of it being Ghoulston, Dorsey or J Long. That’s how it plays out barring trade.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:12 pm
The argument is mcfadden fanboys VS Al Davis’ chance to prove all the mediots wrong just for spite.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Sounds to me like Chris Long would like to play somewhere else.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Dude, I hate to say this but your infatuation with McFadden makes me almost hate the guy.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:16 pm
The trouble with Scotland is that it’s full of Scotts!
April 21st, 2008 at 2:19 pm
wouldn’t that be great COW, if something even close to that happened I wouldn’t be disappointed with passing on mcfadden, but in all probability, nothing resembling that will happen, especially since chris williams is favored to go in the top 15-20 picks, although i believe sam baker is a better LT prospect and a better fit for the zone blocking fit, we could draft keith rivers at #4 and if we somehow got sam baker in the 2nd i would jump for joy, but here is the most likely scenario as of right now:
1.Darren McFadden
3.(acquired for washington)LT, DE, DT, or WR
4.LT, DE, DT, or WR
6.LT, DE, DT, WR, or LB
7.LT, DE, DT, WR, or LB
7.LT, DE, DT, WR, or LB
hopefully we can either get a 2nd for washington or a 3rd and a 5th, after the 1st round and probably half way through the 2nd, when all of the top CBs are gone, many teams will likely be inquiring washington, i won’t specify specific players for the following rounds because they are nearly imposible to project tha deep in the draf, and i have already submitted extensive lists of player possibilities at each position, for each round, so you can fill in the blanks with whoever you like, i’m sure we can all at least find some late round prospects we all like and agree on that have a good posibility of being raiders…..
April 21st, 2008 at 2:21 pm
COW, funny how you leave the most likely player off all of your lists…..
April 21st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
bob, 74 would be great, every one of those players was projected as a top 15 pick at some point in the last year, and all of hem still have that level of talent, with that many boom or busts you’re likely to end up with at least a few booms
April 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Word is S. Ellis attempted to visit the Raiders this weekend, but was removed from the building because security thought he was a lost child.
NO MIDGET DTs IN THE NFL!
April 21st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Keith Rivers won’t last past 7 the cheaters will grab him.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:32 pm
and dakota, the “midget” DT thing is no less stupid than the “skinny legs” argument, we realize you like to be funny, but seriously, ellis IS an elite prospect
April 21st, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Shut up USC midget lover…I am not trying to be funny.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:35 pm
I have a midget hating disorder, just ask Saint.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:36 pm
a more interesting way of explaining the draft, why not post your top 10 available players and your board of top 10 players you want, respectively:
Top 10 Players in the 2008 NFL Draft:
1.Darren McFadden RB Arkansas 6-2 215 4.33
2.Sedrick Ellis DT USC 6-1 310 5.05
3.Chris Long DE Virginia 6-3 275 4.75
4.Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State 6-3 265 4.58
5.Glenn Dorsey DT LSU 6-2 300 5.12
6.Jake Long OT Michigan 6-7 315 5.17
7.Keith Rivers LB USC 6-2 240 4.51
8.Ryan Clady OT Boise State 6-6 310 5.12
9.Jonathan Stewart RB Oregon 5-10 235 4.46
10.Limas Sweed WR Texas 6-4 215 4.45
My Draft Board for the 2008 NFL Draft:
1.Darren McFadden RB Arkansas 6-2 215 4.33
2.Vernon Gholston DE Ohio State 6-3 265 4.58
3.Chris Long DE Virginia 6-3 275 4.75
4.Sedrick Ellis DT USC 6-1 310 5.05
5.Ryan Clady OT Boise State 6-6 310 5.12
6.Glenn Dorsey DT LSU 6-2 300 5.12
7.Jake Long OT Michigan 6-7 315 5.17
8.Keith Rivers LB USC 6-2 240 4.51
9.Lawrence Jackson DE USC 6-4 275 4.73
10.Limas Sweed WR Texas 6-4 215 4.45
April 21st, 2008 at 2:40 pm
BART’s sleeper pick of the day:
Demetrius Bell, OT ..it is rumored that he is the illegitimate son of Karl Malone. We should definitely pick up “Lil Mailman” as an undrafted FA, if he is still around.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Ellis = another USC flop, just like Matt, Reggie, D-Russ, MeShawn, Mike Williams etc, etc, etc.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
bell would be a good addition, solid depth at least
April 21st, 2008 at 2:43 pm
dakota, you know there are more USC hits than misses, and bush and leinart are far from flops
April 21st, 2008 at 2:44 pm
And let’s not forget OJ, Dakota! He was the biggest loser of them all.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
USC might as well change its mascot to a pancake with all those recent flops.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
With the #4 pick the Oakland Raiders select, Sedrick the Flopping Midget Ellis, DT, USC Flops.
Dakota pukes. Raiders defense still can’t stop the run.
Great pick Al.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:52 pm
TT - I see you’re high on Gholston. If he were selected, do you think that pick is made with the intentions of keeping Burgess on the roster? I know you can never have enough pass rushers, but two pass rushers that are that small seems like a bit of weakness. I know it worked with Clemons but he wasn’t being paid top 5 money. If we pay a draftee that much money it seems like they would want him on the field quite a bit and I see that as a risk. Your thoughts?
April 21st, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Dakota - Your description of the smaller DT’s in this draft is why it seems most likely that we would take McFadden. I know we need run support but neither DT in the draft (in the top 5) is really going to give us that much run support. I like the idea of drafting a DT, lets just hope it’s in the later rounds where guys like Okam will be.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Tommy is busy, he is accumulating a list of players from USC that have been successful in the NFL.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
Hello friends,…as I sit here struggling through another day on this rotten planet,…even though the Mondavi and Norcos are helping,…anyway, Im sitting here trippin on the draft,…I will throw my support for us to draft the Hog from Little Rock,…McFadden is the only choice for us, even if we were drafting number one I would say take the Hog,…I love Little Huggy, but hes not a back you can count on,…in my opinion Bush is a nobody,..Rhodes is decent…Jordan just killing time til june 1st…not even allowed at the facility…so lets all get our support going for McFadden,…he should be, and will be a Raider in about 5 days,…Im goin for some more wine and Norcos,..cya.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Okam, or even better, Red Bryant.
Make it happen Al.
McFadden or C. Long in Rd 1 + Braynt somehow = 10-6.
April 21st, 2008 at 2:58 pm
TRADE DOWN
Trade with Baltimore for their #8 pick and the #7 pick in Round 2. Take Ellis if he’s there at #8.
If Ellis is gone — back up another spot or so, and go after Clady.
A 2nd Round choice (WR?) this year can make this draft for the Raiders.
Ellis would be a great pick in the 1st Round.
TRADE DOWN
TRADE DOWN
April 21st, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Dakota, thats funny USC and flops.lol. Is so funny its….. ridiculous. R bush a Bust? Lienart a Bust?
April 21st, 2008 at 3:01 pm
dakota,
good-great Trojans currently in NFL
troy palomalu
lofa tatupu
deuce lutui
ryan kalil
carson palmer
willie mcginest
junior seau
reggie bush
steve smith
justin fargas
mike patterson
lendale white
jury’s still out on leinart, and to an extent bush as well
April 21st, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Thec,
Not busts, just flops.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:02 pm
TT’s draft board is way wrong…limas sweed mgiht not even be a first rounder!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
he might not go in the first, but he is one of the top 10 most talented players in the draft
April 21st, 2008 at 3:04 pm
but he liekly will go in the top 25-20, especially after his recent pro day, but his injury has reall hurt him…..
April 21st, 2008 at 3:06 pm
F*ck trading down,…thats for sissies…draft the Hog,…also, Jamarcus and that Hog are friends…they will push each other to be superstars,…draft nothing but SEC players…Im wondering what life is like without Mondavi and Norcos,…by the way I dont drink wine at tailgates,..beer and Tequila only.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Alameda
How is Rusty
April 21st, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Dakota, my bad “flops”, R. Bush, or Lienart are not “FLops” IMO.
TT, thanks for the list. clearly USC has had an impact on the NFL.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:08 pm
wow ur list is extremely out of order and not to mention missing the best qb in the draft and probably best ol prospect other than long in brandon albert
April 21st, 2008 at 3:09 pm
and assassin, gholston may only be 265, which isn’t really that small for a modern DE, but he is the strongest DE in the NFL and in the 35 plays in which he was ran against last year, he surrendered -41yds(negative fourty-one yards), he is one of the most underrated run defenders in the draft, smaller DEs are often looked down upon because they are usually weak, and ineffective agains the run, gholston is an anomaly, he is a freak, someone will be very happy with the player they get with gholston, but i doubt it will be us, and burgess is also very underrated against the run as well, gholston would be the short term compliment to burgess, and long-term(2009) replacement, but again, i doubt we will take him
April 21st, 2008 at 3:09 pm
best case scenario…dorsey falling to number 4 and us trading with the saints who are crazy about him.
worst case….staying there and drafting mcfadden
April 21st, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Bush had a flashy start. Will he be a great pro? Who knows? Right now, he’s exposed as an average pro.
Two seasons into it, it looks like Lendale White has as much potential for greatness as Reggie Bush.
Leinart? He may be the biggest QB flop in recent memory, considering his hype.
Andrew Walter is as good a prospect as Leinart — and much less hyped.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:11 pm
TT, I dont like what has been said about Ghoulston. taking plays off and such. He looks the part though.
I am also scared of the Ghost getting poped for roid usage.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:12 pm
ohio, ur order is based on what you hear and what you’ve been told, mine is based on what i’ve seen, albert is a guard, and while he may have LT poential, he is a project, his technique needs serious refining and his footwork is completely backwards, and brohm is the only 1st round caliber QB in this draft, and a mid-late first rounder at that…..
April 21st, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Leinart got injured, how is that a flop?
April 21st, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Injured?? At what point before his injury was he a Top-15 QB in this league?
Leinart hasn’t lived up to the hype.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
TT - I agree that Gholston is freakishly strong and probably capable of holding his own against the run (as evidenced by the -41), I’m just wondering if the Raiders would use him as a majority down DE. Especially with Burgess already on the roster. I can see how it makes sense as a Burgess replacement for ‘09, but that doesn’t improve the team as much as it would drafting DMAC.
Obviously I’m not debating with you as I know you’re a DMAC fan, I’m just trying to get your opinion how to rationalize taking Gholston with Burgess still on the roster. I think DMAC provides much more value to the overall picture than Gholston does, which I’m sure you agree.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I am a bitter ND fan, I can call all those USC guys flops. Cheaters and flops.
F@#K USC!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Yo,..Rusty is doing ok,…hes on the old side so he has his better days,..like the rest of us…we threw a nice bar b q for him last night,…gave him a benadryl with it,..so was was very relaxed,..will take him to the confluence tomorrow in Auburn,..by the way Jim Otto lives there.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Matt = noodle arm party boy = FLOP!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Easy there Dakota, us Irish fans are better off keeping quiet until Weiss turns things around or gets run out of town on a rail.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Weiss = FLOP!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
of course i agree, mcfadden is the right choice, but burgess is likely gone after this year, gholston could really help, both this year and next, but mcfadden is the right choice
and i also believe you don’t need a DL full of 1st and 2nd rounders to be successful(see GB and IND), the two greatest DEs in raiders history were 4th round picks from relatively small schools, one is in the HOF and another likely on his way there, i’m not saying you can always rely on it, but you’re more likely to get a great DL in the mid to late rounds than you are a great offensive player
April 21st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Insider — If you were really that “inside,” you’d already know there are a few receivers Al is drooling over, and we’ll never have a shot at them without some picks between #4 and Round-4.
Staying in the Top-10 of Round-1, while getting what should be another starter in Round-2 could be just what the team needs.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
C’mon USC flops are one thing, SC mass murderers (OJ)are something else!!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
no doubt!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:21 pm
As a ND fan, last year made me realize what a great QB Brady Quinn really was, and I have a feeling he will be a better NFL QB than Russell.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Haze,..I dont believe Davis is drooling over any of the receivers coming out for this years draft,..Al only drools over guys running sub 4.4`s. He likes Jackson, not drooling however.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:23 pm
under a dream schenario we could trade washington, jordan(and or rhodes, stu, and probably next year’s 3rd for a late 1st, trading down into the late top 10(8 or 9), acquiring a 2nd in the process, and drafting sedrick ellis, lawrence jackson, and sam baker, respectively, it would never happen, no chance, but we can all dream, and with so much time to kill and so many scenarios already explored that is about all that is left to do
April 21st, 2008 at 3:24 pm
i don’t care if mcfadden becomes a serial killer after his career, as long as he has a HOF career
April 21st, 2008 at 3:24 pm
We better make a deal to get some 2nd 0r 3rd round picks or were gonna be blowing our wad on the no.4 pick and hope we got it right. The D line men Long, Dorsey,or Ellis look to be the safest picks.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Quinn dodnt slip to the 20`s by accident,..Quinn really should have been a 2nd rounder….or 3rd. Hes not in Russells league.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:26 pm
insider, would that be desean with his 4.33 or dexter with his 4.27?
April 21st, 2008 at 3:27 pm
alameda how can u say bush is a nobody… have you seen him play? bush is better than mcfumbles. and in a couple years we’ll all know that for sure
April 21st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
mike bush that is
April 21st, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Insider — I just want to load up on talent in a talented draft, without adding another RB to a full backfield. I guarantee you Al’s drooling over a few of these receivers, and he knows he needs to fill-out his stable.
Thec — Not saying Leinart’s a bust. Yet. But, if Kurt Warner outplays him again, he’s just another backup-quality pro in my sometimes-humble opinion.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
TT - 125 - Agreed. I think this draft is plentiful at DE in later rounds. You’ve posted several DE’s that could/should be available on day 2 and I suspect we will draft at least one of them.
At the end of the day I would like to draft the player that gives us the best chance to win, and that’s clearly McFadden. I don’t care what RB’s are on the roster, he’s a great prospect with the ability to make our entire offense better. I don’t think C.Long or Gholston would have the same impact on Defense. They’re great players and will be productive but the overall value of impact, McFadden should contribute more as I don’t feel that our DL is as bad as some may think.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Priority #1…..stop the run!
That’s why the pick has to be Glenn Dorsey if he’s there.
The D Hall & Wilson signings won’t matter if we’re getting rolled in the running game on D.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:34 pm
What’s all of the fuss about.
We are clearly going to be taking C Long or G Dorsey.
It’s really quite simple. Sheesh!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:35 pm
RR’s FG, teams won’t be running the ball when they’re behind
April 21st, 2008 at 3:35 pm
The Bear,…DeSean,…but he wont be a Raider…a Cowboy maybe…what you call us having a full backfield I call a backfield with so-so players,..why pass on McFadden just because there a bunch od mediocre at best backs there currently?…dump Jordon for sure,…Bush has been out too long,..first good hit hes got another broken leg…Rhodes a dirty test away from a year suspension…Fargas likely will miss several games…should I go on?…its McFadden this saturday.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:36 pm
It is quite simple.
Do it my way.
TRADE DOWN
Take Ellis
April 21st, 2008 at 3:36 pm
RR’s Fat Gut
we definitely need to stop the run and we are trying to address that obviously. but dorsey is a 3 technique DT. and we just signed kelly for 50 mil. we need a 2 gapper and a lot of people don’t think dorsey can play 2 gap or NT. though i do think dorsey will have a good career it’s not going to be with the s&b
April 21st, 2008 at 3:39 pm
…superior…ooops
April 21st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
HayesDaze#37 Says:
April 21st, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Injured?? At what point before his injury was he a Top-15 QB in this league?
Lienart was a rookie. How many rookie QB’s were in the top 15?
April 21st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
insider
it’s not like bush isn’t fully healed. and the fact that he has been out so long is going to make him want to prove himself more. he is an excellent athlete capable of playing multiple positions (the thing all you mcfadden people love to talk about) and people are questioning him. that’s gonna piss him off and make him run that much harder
and the leg won’t break again just because it was broken once before there is a steel rod in there. the odds of bush going down to serious leg injury are the same as DMC going down.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:42 pm
RR’s Fat Gut — we won’t be in the lead for long, when we keep giving up 50-yard TD runs on 2nd Down…
…or 30-yard passes on 3rd-and-29.
Since we’re keeping you, Ryan — and your fat gut — this defense needs DL help as priority #1 to save your job.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Im not sure what you saw in Ellis all year,…I didnt see much, and I watch alot of Pac-10 football…hes not even close to Dorsey.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:44 pm
NPR, not all teams have one 3-technique and 1 NT in their starting lineup, the vikings have a 3 and a NT, the jaguars have two NTs, the eagles and giants both have two 3 techniques, even 3-4s are not consistent, the chargers have 1 3 and two NTs, the pariots have 1 NT and two 3s, not all teams run the same defense, and one 3-technique and one NT is not the universally accepted method of building a DL, there is no universal method, a defense like ours that is built to stop the pass is acually a better fit for two 3 techniques, although i don’t believe dorsey or ellis are pure 3s, and i agree we will not be drafting either but for a different reason
April 21st, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Matt Leinart isn’t even the top QB on the Cardinals…flop. Prior to his injury, Warner was already taking over the QB duties from him…flop.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Your opinion Philly,…I wasnt a big fan of Bush when healthy in college,..big and strong, somewhat…not enough burst…no breakaway at all…basically a Jordan clone,..and Jordan sucks…we should feature McFadden, with Fargas…some plays for Rhodes …we will soon see.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Thec — Leinart was a 2nd-year pro last year, and he was bad before he went down. The Cards need ASU boy Andrew Walter.
From cbssporstline:
That broken collarbone ended Matt Leinart’s sophomore season after five games, giving him 647 passing yards on 60-of-112 passing (53.6 pct.) with two touchdowns, four interceptions and 42 rush yards. Leinart lost playing time in spurts starting in Week 3 when he was healthy when the Cardinals inserted Kurt Warner to play when they were behind, costing Leinart reps and stats.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Not this argument again. We should all agree to disagree on how to stop the run. Everyone knows you can do it two different ways, and our personnel happens to fit the scheme of “score more thus your opponent has to pass against a tough secondary”. Teams won’t be looking to run the ball for 50 yards when they’re down by 14 points in the 3rd qtr. Score points and let the opponent try to complete chunks of yardage against our secondary. The mid-range passing won’t be successful either as our LB’s are good in coverage.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:48 pm
you can’t declare a player a bust after their rookie year and their 2nd year in which they were injured……….well, i guess you can…….you’d just be wrong
April 21st, 2008 at 3:51 pm
TT that is very true and i wasn’t trying to suggest we couldn’t play both 3 tech. but i feel if we are going to consistantly stop the run we need a guy who is an immovable force that is going to command at least 2 linemen every down. and i think if u try to force dorsey into that role in a few years people would be calling him a bust, he needs to be pressing up the field.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:52 pm
after the draft, when people are forced to accept that we didn’t take he DT they wanted and long wasn’t there they will drop the ridiculous, sensational statements saying our D will give up 5yds/carry or 50yd carries all the time and other stupid ass ridiculous things………it will be nice to not have to put up with the constant stupidity
April 21st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
This year — if after five games JaMarcus has only 647-yards passing, and a 2:4 TD-to-INT ratio, he will be categorized as the biggest flop since Ryan Leaf.
A much better JaMarcus Russell will outshine Leinart for the rest of their careers.
At least, that’s what we hope!
April 21st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
really insider i see bush more in the jamal lewis mold, lots of power and deceptive speed. jordan is just fat and slow
April 21st, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Tommy,
I would rather say things about what I have seen and be considered stupid than to make outlandish statements about what a complete unknown is going to do in the NFL.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
i think people will be calling dorsey a bust because he will have a very short career and never be fully developed as a player before his career is over, his stress fracture is scary, if it was a clean brek and that was it and it healed, then fine, no worries, but an injury like that doesn’t heal, it gets better when you’re not playing and worse when ou are, it will wear down, and he is not as polished in terms of technique, leverage and hand placement as ellis, and ellis is also a better all around athlete
April 21st, 2008 at 3:56 pm
saint,
is mcfadden any more of an unknown thatn long, gholston, dorsey, or ellis?
April 21st, 2008 at 3:57 pm
HayesDaze#37, My mistake you are right. I still dont think he is abust though, IMO. Not enough reps in.
C
April 21st, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Nope.
Is our Dline any more improved over last year with the same personnel? Nope.
This is where you go on with the injury schpeal.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:59 pm
our DT pick should be red bryant (like someone on here has been preaching) and he should be there in the 4th. we need a franchise LT in the first, either long or clady (clady fits our system better), to go with our QB though before we are reaching for luxuries like mcfadden. and as far as the offense stopping the run a good LT will help us put up more points a la joe thomas and the browns.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:00 pm
TT #158 — Now that’s one of the stupidest things you’ve put on here…
Until this defense stops those very types of plays — which we’ve been so generous in giving-up for the past few years — then this defense will be a failure.
They haven’t shown they can do it, and what’s different about this year that will make them magically improved? The DL is MISSING some of the players from last year, when we already needed to plug some gaps with the right players.
This defense not only needs bodies, but it needs the right bodies in the right places.
DL first, everything will be better for it. The offense, too.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:00 pm
red bryant will be LONG gone by the 4th. He may not last past Miami’s 2nd round pick.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:00 pm
hayes, he can have those stats through five games but if he has 3,500yds+ passing, 25+ TDs, 12 INTs(or less), 300yds+ rushing and 5+TDs rushing over 16 games then he will be one of the great hits at he QB position, not that i believe he will do that this year, my more modest predictions are 3,000yds+ passing 20+ TDs, 14 INTs(or less), 200yds+ rushing and 2+ TDs rushing
April 21st, 2008 at 4:00 pm
As much as I hate to say, stopping the opponents running game by getting into shootouts is NOT stopping an opponents running game. It is getting into shootouts, which most modern coaches don’t want to do.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:01 pm
HayesDaze#37 Says:
April 21st, 2008 at 3:53 pm
This year — if after five games JaMarcus has only 647-yards passing, and a 2:4 TD-to-INT ratio, he will be categorized as the biggest flop since Ryan Leaf.
I dont know if i agree with this statement.
Lets say we are 4-1 after 5 games is he flop for managing the game based on his experience. How much are you expecting from a rookie QB?
April 21st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
oak, how will our opponents be in shootouts against our secondary?
April 21st, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Giving our running game the ability to score more TDs is not a luxury, it is a necessity. We scored 8 rushing TDs last year with our vaunted set of RBs. 10 NFL running backs achieved that TD total by themselves last year, and almost all of their teams made the playoffs.
TDs are not a luxury in the NFL.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Bart,
i think red bryant in the second is a bit of a reach. what is parcells in love with him? i haven’t heard anything.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:05 pm
on our defense we have 7 players who are some of the best at their positions in the NFL, what team(other than the patriots) is going to score 30-40 points on us?
April 21st, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Thec — You know that feeling when you’ve seen enough of a guy to know if he’s got special talent? I’ve seen enough of Leinart to know he’s nothing special. Maybe an average pro, with some good days ahead, but nothing special.
Andrew Walter would be AZ’s starter if the Cards made a trade for him.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
dakota, 173,
well said
April 21st, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Dakota,
Those teams didn’t have 3-4 turnovers from the QB position per game like ours!! Kinda hard to get TD’s when you give the ball back every other drive.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
so saint, why not make life easier for our QB by giving him an elite weapon?
April 21st, 2008 at 4:08 pm
HayesDaze#37 , IMHO jury still out on Lienart.
Hope JRuss fares better.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:10 pm
this is an entirely different offense this season, and i’d like to think they will score more points, regardless of who we draft. the rushing touchdown statistic isn’t justification to draft mcfadden, we were lowest in total touchdowns because we couldn’t move the ball through the air, so the D stacks the box and that leads to fewer touchdowns. just having JRuss (as opposed to the Pep-McCown combo qb) as the starter is gonna make the rush td numbers go up because our backs will be getting more carries closer to the endzone.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Saint,
We settled for a lot of FG attepts last year, I know adding McFadden will change that. We lost 6 games by 7 points or less. I know adding McFadden will generate more points. Are you sure little Dorsey or Ellis will make that big of a difference against the run?
As far as…shoot, wife just called, supper is ready!
April 21st, 2008 at 4:11 pm
#171 Thec — Of course I’d take a 4-1 record, no matter what the QB stats are.
I mis-remembered to preface those stats with the assumption those stats would lead to a losing record.
#169 TT — You’re making my point for me when you offer up “more modest” predictions for how Leinart’s stats should be…
At least half the world out there still thinks the Raiders should’ve taken Leinart in the draft 3-years ago, and every one of them would’ve been wrong right now.
Methinks, TT, your Rose Bowl-colored glasses have fogged your ability to see the truth about your boys.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:13 pm
that prediction is for russell next year, should have been more clear
April 21st, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Thec — cool. I WANT Leinart to do well, believe it or not, I just don’t feel it with the guy.
I hope the feeling I get from JaMarcus is the right one!
April 21st, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Bryant is probably the best 3-4 NT prospect in the draft, which Parcells needs to run his defense, also San Francisco is in need of a 3-4 NT. I have a feeling one of them will snatch him up in the 2nd, great nose tackles are hard to find.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:17 pm
TT, I get what you’re saying now.
As long as those stats bring us more wins than losses, I would think JaMarcus’s first full year would be considered a great success.
April 21st, 2008 at 4:18 pm
not only does mcfadden help the abysmal rushing first downs, thus putting the offense as a whole in a position to score, he also scores touchdowns himslef and heps aid the very average rushing average, he is also the best recieving threat of any RB in the draft and the best blocker ofany RB in the draft, those atributes directly assist the passing game, and the production he brings and the fear he instills in he defense take alot of the pressure off of Russell, we have plenty of great players on defense but not a single great player on offense, and that is something that is needed for a top flight offense in this league, these are all the things mcfadden brings, he is no an ordinary RB, nor is he simply a RB